The Oregon Natural Resources Report - Agricultural News from Oregon

Senate passes bills to help rivers, ocean

Senator Alan Olsen (R -Canby) has successfully shepherded three bills through the Oregon Senate over the last week that will aid the health of Oregon’s waterways. “ Oregon has a reputation for some of the most beautiful, clean and abundant waters in the world, ” said Olsen. “ We need smart policies that help protect those waterways and give citizens and agencies the tools they need to care for this precious resource. These bills provide practical, common sense ways to keep our rivers and oceans clean and healthy. ” The three bills are aimed at empowering individuals and key agencies to remove debris and maintain a healthy, natural eco-system in Oregon waterways.

• House Bill 2396 – Protects from removal of fallen trees in waterways that capture gravel, provide stream stability and create fish habitat. Dead trees and logs provide a key bulwark in river habitats. The a mended version passed by the Senate on a 22 -7 vote and is now headed to the House of Representatives for consideration of Senate amendments.

• HB 2697 – Allows a person to return a fish carcass to water where the fish was caught t o help enhance the waterway ’s nutrient supply and aid native fish stock. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (29 -0) on May 9th and is headed to the Governor for signature.

• HB 3262 -Prohibits person leaving crab pot used in ocean more than 15 days after close of the season. Also allows the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to issue permits for the removal of crab pots. Abandoned crab pots can have a negative effect on crab resources, marine habitats and fisheries. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (29 -0) on Ma y 9th and is headed to the Governor for signature. “ Some of these may seem obvious, but state law sometimes hinders these types of grassroots interventions that can do so much to keep our waterways healthy, ” said Olsen. “ I believe these bills will help fish populations grow and maintain Oregon’s status as a benchmark of environmental health. ” Olsen and his wife Juanita make their home in Canby.

Olsen is a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1969 to 1971. He is a general contractor and small business owner building homes and structures across Oregon. Senate District 20 includes Canby, Oregon City, Damascus, Estacada and rural parts of Clackamas County. # # #